pageant Meaning, Definition & Usage

Pag"eant noun

Etymology

OE. pagent, pagen, originally, a movable scaffold or stage, hence, what was exhibited on it, fr. LL. pagina, akin to pangere to fasten; cf. L. pagina page, leaf, slab, compaginare to join together, compages a joining together, structure. See Pact, Page of a book.

Definitions

1. A theatrical exhibition; a spectacle. "A pageant truly played." Shak.

   To see sad pageants of men's miseries. Spenser.

2. An elaborate exhibition devised for the entertainmeut of a distinguished personage, or of the public; a show, spectacle, or display.

   The gaze of fools, and pageant of a day ! Pope.

   We love the man, the paltry pageant you. Cowper.

Pag"eant adjective

Definitions

1. Of the nature of a pageant; spectacular. "Pageant pomp." Dryden.

Pag"eant transitive verb

Definitions

1. To exhibit in show; to represent; to mimic. R. "He pageants us." Shak.